Paul, you just need to do exactly the same as when you first updated the system.

Go to the imenu, by clicking the controller down on the idrive main menu -> roll down to BMW Service settings -> Service status -> Push down to options -> Update services

All of this requires the ability for your car to connect to whichever mobile network BMW Assist uses.

If there are any changes to Assist, your car will download them (which I doubt, because there hasn't been any changes, at least since you first had it installed).

I only just noticed, but the ability to call locations sent down by Assist automatically appears after you turn on your pre-paired BT phone!

Also, all of the main Assist menus are available by voice recognition, but you do still have to select any submenus yourself.

Perhaps this is the ideal time to test out your SOS button- well it is an emergency, for you, at least!

All the best.

Viv

Viv, I thought perhaps it was in there - that's the problem, I can't get into any options like "Options" as they are all effectively greyed out/not responding. Very odd. I'm hoping when mine works I'll be able to use the shortcut keys on the dash to store the location of the "messagaes" option and therefore go straight to it!

Viv, I thought perhaps it was in there - that's the problem, I can't get into any options like "Options" as they are all effectively greyed out/not responding. Very odd. I'm hoping when mine works I'll be able to use the shortcut keys on the dash to store the location of the "messagaes" option and therefore go straight to it!

'Looks like a 'f**ked iDrive' issue, as the technicians might say!

You should be able to assign the buttons as you want, Paul.

I think they will certainly have to try re-booting the iDrive with their diagnostic DIS SSS machine, or whatever they currently use, and will need to check the TCU (telematics control unit).

I'm sure they'll be able to get it working pretty soon, Paul, as long as they don't need to re-install the entire Progman version, which I doubt.

Here's hoping they'll soon let you get back to finding out the time of the next showing of the Simpsons at your local cinema!

That's what's so annoying Viv, TBH I'm not sure I'll ever use it that much but as it was so easy to get and free I thought I would. It is such a hassle putting the car into the dealers for a day and they'll probably wash it with a dirty sponge too even when instructed not to!!!! Mind you, first off it might be a saturday morning job which wouldn't be so bad I guess...

just wanted to add...got this BMW / GoogleMaps thing working today myself. very cool. how sad that things like this impress

for those that ain't figured it out yet, when your application is processed you will receive an SMS message with a username/password in. this is the username you enter into GoogleMaps. the username seems to default to the mobile number you supply on the application form.

in there you need to go to the "My Data" section to activate the google maps "send" authorisation. you can then change your username / password to something you prefer and use your new username in google maps.

That's what's so annoying Viv, TBH I'm not sure I'll ever use it that much but as it was so easy to get and free I thought I would. It is such a hassle putting the car into the dealers for a day and they'll probably wash it with a dirty sponge too even when instructed not to!!!! Mind you, first off it might be a saturday morning job which wouldn't be so bad I guess...

Thanks for your help viv.

No problem, Paul.

If I were in the same situation, I'd let them re-set the system, which shouldn't take too long at all.

My car was in for 8 hours & they washed it inside out, before handing it back to me & I wasn't charged a penny.

It is a nuisance, but I'd still want it working, especially since it may just save your life one day (automatic crash/accident notification)!

They confirmed that 'BMW Assist' and 'BMW Online' are now combined as 'BMW Connected Drive' and that the service was free for 3 years for 'all new accounts from 1st Sept 07'.

She confirmed that as I had not registered for the 6 month trial, my account had never been activated and I was eligable for the 3 year offer. I am not sure what the situation would be for those who already pay for BMW Assist or are on the 6 month trial.

Apparently they don't need to send the text messages and so on now to active. I faxed through the form last week and hadn't heard anything, so rattled their cage yesterday and was told it was all up and working and a letter about it in the post. Went out to the car and lo and behold it was.

Apparently they don't need to send the text messages and so on now to active. I faxed through the form last week and hadn't heard anything, so rattled their cage yesterday and was told it was all up and working and a letter about it in the post. Went out to the car and lo and behold it was.

I just spoke to the BMW connected centre. My form was recieved yesterday and will be actioned today. She was a bit of a 'blonde' and I got the feeling she didnt know what she was talkinig about! She said that they activate the car (no action required from me) and send me through a username/password to log on to the internet site to activate. hopefully it will work when I get home Friday!

I faxed the form in Monday and havent yet had my ASSIST activated. Rang them today to find out and they have said that it should be today. Will I get an SMS (with username/password) once it has been done?

I faxed the form in Monday and havent yet had my ASSIST activated. Rang them today to find out and they have said that it should be today. Will I get an SMS (with username/password) once it has been done?

You should, Pete.

However, in my experience, they just take their time.

To check if it's working, go here, click on the 'Forgotten password' link & enter the mobile number you used in the application.

You should get a 4-digit password, if they've processed your application.

Then try logging in, using your firstname.surname (full stop is important), as entered on the application form. Use the pass which you've just been SMSed.

If everything has been done on their part, you should now have access to the Assist portal!

I was as tactful as I possible could be. The lady was extremely helpful; they claim that the 'Assist' system is down due to problems with the BT landlines (since yesterday) She has taken my details and will call me when the assist is initialised but no guarantees that this will be today!

I was as tactful as I possible could be. The lady was extremely helpful; they claim that the 'Assist' system is down due to problems with the BT landlines (since yesterday) She has taken my details and will call me when the assist is initialised but no guarantees that this will be today!